Digital Star Design

Bookmark my new site!!!

2011-02-24T23:10:00.001-06:00

My new website, Holly Anissa!
www.hollyanissa.com

And my first post!
Hello, hello! Welcome to my new site!!!

I've invested in a real website and I'm using a self-hosted WordPress blogsite powered by ProPhoto Blogs as my interface. I am so excited to share it with everyone! This blog is being retired, so bookmark my new website!!! I hope you all follow me there! Holly Anissa is my first and middle name. :)

2010 Holiday Cards

2010-12-24T15:10:00.000-06:00

I wanted to take a moment to share the holiday cards I made this season. I have the best clients ever! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year! I look forward to working with you in 2011!!!

Thanks for looking!

Holiday Cards and Gifts

2010-11-30T09:35:00.000-06:00

It's that most wonderful time of the year!!! Let me create a customized holiday card or photo gift for you.

Most holiday photo cards are $25 for any size including one to the three photos. I also offer scrap-for-hire and collage services for a variety of sizes including 11x14, 12x12, and 8x10. Photo editing, photo restoration, and photo retouching services are available also. I charge $20/hour for photo editing and pro-rate that by 15 minute increments at $5. Individual projects are quoted per project. I accept Paypal... my email and Paypal address is holly0817@hotmail.com.

All of my cards will be custom made, one-of-a-kind pieces; I do not offer templates. I work primarily with digital scrapbooking kits and have permission for commercial use for all of my products. You may request a specific scrap kit to be used for your project. Please send large photos that have not been edited (I can fix virtually any problem); your final print quality will depend on your intial photo size and quality. Full payment will be required prior to starting your project.

I will work with you to ensure your final product is exactly what you desire. Upon completion of the project, I will send you a proof of your card for final approval, then you will receive a high resolution jpeg image to print at your favorite printer. I will be happy to customize size, layout, photos, and style to best suit your photos and family. I look forward to working with you!

Please note that some samples have been altered to protect confidentiality. Images are clickable to see the original sizes (choose Actions>View All Sizes). Full credits can be found on my Flickr site. Thank you!

Holiday Cards

Collage and Scrap-for-Hire

Thanks for looking!

Tips for taking better photos

2010-10-23T16:15:00.000-05:00

With the holidays rapidly approaching, you may be thinking about your holiday card and how to get that perfect shot for your family photo. Most of us can't afford professional photographers but I do urge you to think about hiring one at least once, especially if you have young children. As I've learned more and more about photography this year (I am doing Project365 and have joined Clickin' Moms), true professional photographers (not Sears Portrait Studios and the like) are artists. They spend a lot of time and money learning their craft, investing in equipment, and running their business. It's totally worth several hundred dollars to have a lifetime of memories to cherish. But if you are like me and on a tight budget this year, you will probably go the DIY route. As someone who works with photos everyday, I have some tips to share to get better pictures.

1. Camera choice: point & shoot or DSLR.
With DSLRs becoming more affordable, many people now own one. You can get quality photos from either type of camera; it really depends on how well you know how to use your camera. I've heard many times, "Wow, your camera takes great pictures!" Admittedly, my Nikon D40 does take better photos then my previous point-and-shoot, but it is the photographer behind the lens that makes the difference. I invite you to read this great article by Erin Farrell, Your Camera Takes Really Nice Pictures where she blogged about an experiment with her camera. Just because you have a nice camera doesn't mean that you will be guaranteed good photos. If you find yourself using Auto mode all the time, challenge yourself to read your camera's manual or look up tutorials on YouTube. There is a site that has detailed instructions on nearly every camera made complete with tutorials called Wonder How To. I learned a lot my camera's features from this site. And I've seen some amazing photos from point-and shoot cameras from professional photographers. It's all how you use your equipment!

2. Shooting mode: auto, program, or manual.
Learning to shoot in manual mode took me months of studying as well as an expensive class but it was very worth the effort. My photos have improved dramatically and I have complete creative control over all aspects of each picture. If you are just starting to learn how to leave auto mode behind, I recommend using the program mode (P on most cameras). All this does is guarantee that your flash will not fire, the camera will figure out all of the other settings for you. You'll have to watch for camera shake though; often the shutter speed will be much slower when not using the flash and you might end up with blurry pictures. To combat this, use a tripod, shoot several photos in rapid succession and hope one of them is not blurry, or find more light in order to raise your shutter speed.

3. Lighting and flash - don't use it!
LOL, I kid, I kid… but seriously, don't use it. If you are using auto mode, your camera will want to use the flash all the time. This leads to overexposed faces, blown out highlights, unflattering shadows, red eye, and nearly unfixable problems. If you have to use flash, here are a couple of tips:
~Find more light! Turn on lamps, move your subject close to a window, go outside. This will help decrease the flash effect.
~Step back. You don't need to be right in front of your subject when using the flash. Take a few steps back and reduce the harsh glare.
~Diffuse or redirect your flash if you have that ability.
For more tips on how to avoid flash problems, check out 7 Strategies for Avoiding Flash Blow Out. Better yet, try to use natural light and leave flash behind forever. There are times where you will have to use it but for most everyday photos of your children, you can get wonderful pictures using natural light. There are many great tutorials online about how to get started. Check out How to Photograph Your Baby for some beginning tips.

4. Composition: backgrounds, clutter, and rule of thirds.
Before you take a photo, take a look around. The composition of your photo can make a huge difference between just an ordinary snapshot and a beautiful portrait. If you are inside, look for clutter, busy prints in the background, and other distracting elements. Try moving yourself around while looking through your viewfinder to really focus on your subject. One funny thing I've learned about this year is how your background intersects with your subject. When outside, avoid having trees and shrubs "growing" out of your subject, especially the head. A small shift in position can eliminate this problem. Also watch for horizontal lines running through your subject such as fences. This chops up your composition and decreases the focus on your subject. If you have the ability to choose your focal point in your camera, then try positioning your subject according to the rule of thirds where the most interesting focal point occurs along one of four intersecting points when your photo is intersected by 3x3 lines.

5. Posing: what to wear, step away from walls, turn slightly, look up, limb chops, and catchlights.
How you pose your subject can also have a profound impact on the quality of your photo. Dressing everyone in white shirts and blue jeans is outdated and white shirts wash out many skin types. Instead choose coordinating colors and comfortable clothes. Have your child or subject take a few steps away from the wall to focus the photo on the person while letting the background blur nicely. If shooting an adult, have them turn slightly away from the camera, then turn their face toward you; this tip also works well for those in the chub club, like me. For small children, have them sit on the floor and look up at you. Avoid limb chops and head chops; if you are shooting a close-up, make sure the entire head in the frame. If shooting the whole body, make sure that the arms and legs are in the frame. Most of all, have your subject face the light, if not directly, then at a 45-degree angle. The most beautiful portraits capture catchlights in your subject's eyes. Can you see light reflected? Seeing light in the eyes brings life to the person and the photo.

These are all just suggestions that I've learned on my photography forum and through my own experience working with thousands of other people's photos. Some of my favorite photos break many of these "rules" but because I captured an emotion, something real, and what I see is a memory and is not technically perfect. If you are taking photos for me to use for a siggy, a holiday card or invitation, or a collage, keep in mind that I can fix many problems. My editing skills have also improved this year by learning more about photography.

Here a few more suggestions if you will be requesting that I work with your photos in the future (for siggies or print work).
~When submitting multiple photos, especially of different children, try to pick photos with a similar light source. For example, I have a harder time working with one photo taken outside and another photo taken inside with a flash. I will try to make everyone's skin tones look similar but depending on the light source, that may be challenging.
~If you are wanting an extraction, please submit a photo with no head chop or limb chops. I can blur and fade the top edge of the head if I have to or add elements around the missing pieces (such as grass around feet), but your end result will look better if I have the entire body with which to work.
~I can't recover completely blown highlights.
~Really blurry photos can't be fixed.
~Cell phone photos have poor quality, with the exception of the iPhone.
~Larger photos are easier to work with than smaller ones.
~I cannot use professional, watermarked photos without a written release from the photographer. They are copyrighted.

I absolutely love with your photos of your children and loved ones! I'm coming up on three years making siggies and doing photo editing, and two years making cards, collages, and scrap pages. I continue to read, research, study, take classes, and buy books to continually improve. It is truly my honor to work with you! Thank you for your continued business and I hope to hear from you this holiday season! Let me know if this article has been helpful too. Smooches!

Lots of new samples!

2010-10-15T13:04:00.001-05:00

I have been super busy the last couple of months with print projects. I will be updating all of the individual pages with them but I wanted to share some of my favorites!

I've done two collages for a client which are both sized 14"x11". These were a LOT of fun to make!

Credits:
Adventures in my Backyard by Jennifer Barrette (not currently available)
"Parker" and "puppy" alpha from Just the Basics by Dani Mogstad at Sweet Shoppe Designs
"Snips" alpha from Ransom Note Alpha by Zoe Pearson (retired)
"Snails" alpha from Metalrific Alpha" by Dylabel Designs at Elemental Scraps
"DOG" alpha from Chit Chat and Chocolate by AnnaBV Designs at ScrapOrchard
"tails" alpha from A Good Life by Valorie Brown (not currently available)
"boys" alpha from Beep Chugga Zoom by Kristin-Cronin Barrow and Shawna Clingerman
"one" alpha from Adventures in my Backyard by Jennifer Barrette (not currently available)
sf Natalie font

Credits:
Another Galaxy by Traci Reed and Julie Billingsley at Sweet Shoppe Designs

Some birthday invitations...

Credits:
On the Farm by Kristin Aagard at After5Designs
2Peas Dear Diary and Georgia fonts

Credits:
It's Your Big Day by AnnaBV Designs at ScrapOrchard
JI-Limbed font

Credits:
Another Galaxy by Traci Reed and Julie Billingsley at Sweet Shoppe Designs
Courier font

And a birth announcement... look at this precious angel!

Credits:
The Land of Nod by Dani Mogstad at Sweet Shoppe Designs
Dumbbells from Get Fit the Kit by Crisdam Designs at Gotta Pixel
Sock monkey from Peter by MandaBean at Sweet Shoppe Designs (SSDQA, Vol. 2, 09)
Century Gothic and P22 Corinthia by ROB fonts

Thanks for looking!

Sharing a birthday invitation!

2010-08-17T10:18:00.000-05:00

I recently finished one of my favorite birthday invitations of all time and couldn't wait to share it with you! This is the adorable baby girl of a long-time client; I can hardly believe Alayna is turning one already! The mom linked me to the party decorations they chose... pink mod monkey (so cute!) and asked if I could make the invitation match. With the help of Kay Miller and her adorable kit, Monkey She, Monkey Do, I created a darling invite!

Credits:
Monkey She, Monkey Do by Kay Miller Designs
Papers, glitter swirl, and pink ribbons from Happy Birthday, Baby Girl by Misty Cato at Sweet Shoppe Designs
P22 Corinithia by ROB and Georgia fonts

Thanks for looking!

Lots of new samples!

2010-08-02T22:29:00.000-05:00

I have been very busy with many fun and exciting projects this summer. Instead of showing each of them here, I'll invite you to check out the All Occasion Cards and Gifts as well as the Invitations tabs. I have at least four new birthday invitations, a baby shower invitation, two more teacher cards, and a scrap-for-hire scrapbook page. I've been busy with some photo editing too and I'm learning photography.

I've never been happier!

If you are interested in a project, please contact me at holly0817@hotmail.com. I look forward to discussing your project needs and working with you!

Teacher Gifts

2010-05-14T13:46:00.002-05:00

As the school year comes to an end, what better way to honor your child's teacher than with a 4x6 or 5x7 unique photo thank you card! This is a special keepsake that your child's teacher can keep for years to come. Contact me at holly0817@hotmail.com for more information. I made this for my son's kindergarten teacher as a 5x7 and it printed and framed beautifully.

Credits:
A Mother's Love by Sabrina Dupre at Shabby Pickle Designs
sf Ellie Everyday font

Basic Editing and Enhancing

2010-05-08T21:36:00.002-05:00

I had the most fun working on a project for a client today (thank you so much, Kristin!) who wanted some basic editing some on some photos of her daughter. I wanted to take the editing a step further and also add a little enhancing with some actions and textures that I've recently acquired. We were both very pleased with the result. Here is my favorite of the day and there are a few others posted on the Restoration/Retouching tab.

Before:

After:

I fixed lighting, exposure, shadows, levels, curves, reduced noise, added a slight eye pop, added lens glare, used My4Hens Watermelon Blues and Paint the Moon Sea Delight actions, added texture from Tassiesim on Flickr, then erased texture from face and hands.

Thanks for looking!

Redesign!

2010-05-07T00:46:00.003-05:00

Hello my faithful followers! I have redesigned Digital Star Design to better showcase my work. You can now navigate by tabs to view different categories of projects with a wider column in which to view the larger print pieces at full-size. Please feel free to share my site with your friends and family and I look forward to working with you in the future!

If you have any questions or would like to book a project, please contact me via email at holly0817@hotmail.com. I now also have a Facebook Fan Page and you can contact me there also. Thank you!

Holiday 2009

2009-11-28T22:50:00.006-06:00

Hello!!! Happy Holidays for the 2009 season! It's time to start thinking about your holiday cards. This year I am teaming up with By Becca, a fabulous designer at Enchanted Studio Scraps, and Michelle Scruggs Photography to offer lots of beautiful options for your holiday needs. Any size card is $25 and includes up to three photos with editing. I accept Paypal! In addition to cards, I can also create a special, one-of-a-kind gift with your photos, such as a digital scrapbook page or collage.

Here are some samples and cards that I have already created this season (full credits can be found on my Flickr photostream by clicking the individual cards):

Here are the Wintersong cards created with the Wintersong kit by Becca! You can buy these for $4.50, add your own photos and text, then print.

Don't forget to scroll down to see last year's samples and examples! If you have a digital scrapbook designer that you like or a particular kit in mind, I am happy to purchase it as part of your card-making process. Thanks for looking and I look forward to working with you!

Photo Restoration

2009-05-19T20:19:00.003-05:00

I have been expanding my technical expertise to include complex photo restoration projects. Here is an example of a wedding photo taken by a client eleven years ago. Her grandmother's eye and temple had chunks of lines across them and the entire photo had mulitple artifacts. I scanned the photo and using Photoshop's clone, smudge, spot healing, and painting tools, I was able to restore the photo.

Each project will be quoted on a per project basis. For more examples of photo editing, check out the Photo Editing section near the bottom of the page. Thanks for looking!

Before

After

New Product Offering!

2009-03-06T11:16:00.002-06:00

I have an exciting new product to offer... wallpaper for your cell phone or iPod! I take your photo and add scrapbook elements to match your picture to make a mini-scrapbook page. For just $5.00, you send me your photo, tell me what model phone or iPod you have, and I'll create something special that you can have with you all the time on your portable device. If your phone did not come with a USB connector, you can upload your completed wallpaper from http://www.phonezoo.com/Welcome.do for no charge (unless your plan charges for downloads). I have made cell phone "siggies" for the iPhone, Blackberry, and other models. Here are some examples:

Also, be sure to check out my other invitation, card, and siggy samples as I have updated them recently. Thank you for visiting!

Welcome to Digital Star Design!

2008-11-05T15:07:00.037-06:00

Overview

I offer custom holiday cards, birthday invitations, baby shower invitations, birth announcments, save the date announcements, and thank you cards. I offer custom message board signatures, avatars, and blinkies. I also offer photo editing including fixing red eye, fixing underexposure, sharpening blurry photos, conversion to black and white or sepia, selective coloring, extraction or cut-out of certain elements and/or people, and many other photo enhancements. I can create a custom collage picture in any size using multiple photos and/or scrapbook elements. I am extremely committed to customer satisfaction and I guarantee that you will love your final product! I have invested in high quality, commercial use kits, fonts, and graphics. Each piece is unique to your photo or project; with my artistic vision coupled with high quality graphics and scrapbook elements, you will have a unique card or siggy that looks like no one else's.

Be sure to check back frequently as I add new examples of work I've completed for other clients!

Project Requirements, Prices, and Samples

Cards

Printed cards are offered in either 4x6 or 5x7 format, portrait or landscape. Prices are $20 for a 4x6, up to three photos, and $25 for a 5x7, up to three photos. If a different size is desired (i.e., 4x8) or you have more than three photos, I will quote you a price via email. I require straight out of the camera pictures as large as possible (at least 1000x1000 pixels produce higher quality results); please do not crop or edit your pictures before sending them to me. Photo editing is included in the price. I will deliver a small proof for your final approval, then I will deliver a high-resolution jpeg for you to send to your favorite printer. Many stores now offer online printing options! If you do not have a design preference, I will create your card to match your photos. Simple changes can be made after your proof has been delivered, but major design changes may cost extra. Custom cards will have first priority in my work load and you can expect your proof within a couple of days of your request.

Card Examples and Samples

Birthday Invitations:

credits: Georgia and Lover's Quarrell by ROB fonts; Sweet Cupcake kit by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/)

credits: Hand of Sean font; Heartstrings kit by Holly Designs (http://www.shabbypickledesigns.com/); picture by Richard Sweet courtesy of Stock Exchange

credits: Pharmacy font; Party On kit by Heather Roselli (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/)

credits: Pharmacy and Alex Brush by ROB fonts; pink ribbon trim from Happy Birthday Baby Girl kit by Misty Cato (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); all other elements from Sweet Cupcake kit by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/)

credits: JI Limbed font; Party On kit by Heather Roselli (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); photos by Ehsan Namavar courtesy of Stock Exchange

credits: Will & Grace and Passion’s Conflict by ROB fonts; pink paper by Kelly T. La Morge (http://artistformalyknownaskelly.blogspot.com/); polka dot and striped paper from Little Love by Zoe Pearn (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); circle frame from Photo Stackers by Misty Cato (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); glitter swirl and brackets from Summer’s End by Jennifer Rousseau (http://jen-at-chaos-lounge.blogspot.com/); photo by Becca

Baby Shower Invitations:

credits: Pharmacy and Lover’s Quarrell by ROB fonts; California Girls kit by Krystal Hart and Libby Weifenbach (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); photo by syposinc courtesy of Stock Exchange

Birth Announcements:

Credits: Dream Orphans and The NautiGal by ROB fonts; "jack" alpha from Playground Adventures by Holly Designs (http://www.shabbypickledesigns.com/); all other elements from Bedtime Stories by Holly Designs (http://www.shabbypickledesigns.com/).

credits: Georgia and Passion's Conflict by ROB fonts; all elements from Pasha kit by Lauren Grier and Libby Weifenbach (http://sweetshoppedesigns.com/)

credits: Georgia and Passion's Conflict by ROB fonts; Apple Orchard kit by Colie’s Corner (http://www.coliescorner.blogspot.com/); photo by Nino Satria courtesy of Stock Exchange

credits: Trajan Pro and Chopin Script fonts; heart alpha by Jofia Devoe (http://www.shabbypickledesigns.com/); The Land of Nod kit by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/), photo by Becca

Bridal Shower Invitations:

credits: Georgia and Lover's Quarrell by ROB fonts; paper from the Holiday Spirit kit by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); ribbon from the Pasha kit by Lauren Grier
(http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); picture by Daniel Manolache courtesy of Stock Exchange

Save the Date Invitations:

credits: Georgia and Lover’s Quarrell by ROB fonts; swirl by 2PEAS RF Rhonna Designs font (http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/); paper Old Script; photo by Marco Tornese courtesy of Stock Exchange

Wedding Announcements:

credits: Georgia and Lover's Quarrell by ROB fonts; hearts from the California Girls kit by Krystal Hartley and Libby Weifenbach (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); background paper from the Love is in the Air kit by Kristin Cronin-Barrow (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/)

credits: Georgia and Lover's Quarrell by ROB fonts; light blue background paper, green journaling tag, and matching swirl overlay from the California Girls kit by Krystal Hartley and Libby Weifenbach; darker blue background paper (blended) and flowers from the Dreams of Love kit by Chaos Lounge (http://jen-at-chaos-lounge.blogspot.com/); twine frame from the Melon Passion kit by Cinnamon Designs (http://www.cinnamon-designs.com); opaque blue circle overlays from the Secret Garden kit by Sussie M (http://www.scrapbookgraphics.com/); butterly from the Vintage Garden Fairies kit by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/)

Thank You Cards:

credits: The NautiGal by ROB font; paper and flower overlay by Jennifer Rousseau (http://jen-at-chaos-lounge.blogspot.com/); butterfly from Vintage Garden Fairies by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/)

Holiday Cards:

credits: Georgia and The NautiGal by ROB fonts; fir branches from A Wildflower Holiday by Patricia Christensen (http://weedsandwildflowersdesign.typepad.com/home/); photo action "Tainted Dream" from TaylorMade's Bliss in Action set (http://www.taylormade-designs.net/); all other elements from the Holiday Spirit kit by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/)

credits: Inspiration by ROB font; candy canes and red bow from A Wildflower Holiday by Patricia Christensen (http://weedsandwildflowersdesign.typepad.com/home/); stuffed stocking from Just a Fresh Holiday by Corina Nielsen (http://www.funkyplaygrounddesigns.com/); all other elements from Just a Cozy Holiday by Corina Nielsen (http://www.funkyplaygrounddesigns.com/)

credits: Will&Grace font; background papers, gifts, poinsettia and gold snowflake from the Nutcracker Suite kit by Faith True (http://www.shabbypickledesigns.com); gold glitter Christmas tree from the Gold Mine kit by The Waterloo Project (http://www.waterloproject.blogspot.com); glitter alpha from the Holiday Spirit kit by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com); red ribbon from the Very Merry kit by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/)

credits: Engravers MT and Lavishly Yours by ROB fonts; dove from the Be Merry kit by Penny Springerman (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); green velvet ribbons and poinsettia from the Nutracker Suite by Faith True (http://www.shabbypickledesigns.com/); red glitter swirl from the Holiday Spirit kit by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); all other elements from Candy Cane Lane by Melissa Bennett (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/)

credits: Georgia and Lover's Quarrell by ROB fonts; candy canes from the Internet; holly leaves and snowflake from the Merry & Bright kit by Ellie Lash (http://www.ellielash.com); all other elements from the Jingle Jangle kit by Melissa Bennett (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com)

credits: Castellar and P22 Ruthie by ROB fonts; background paper from the Christmas Song kit by Fraisinette (http://passionfraisinette.blogspot.com/); striped paper and ribbon tree from the Christmas Morning kit by Sweet as Mel (http://sweetasmel.blogspot.com/); fir branches from A Wildflower Holiday by Patricia Christensen (http://weedsandwildflowersdesign.typepad.com/home/); other branch and gold snowflake from the Gold Mine kit by The Waterloo Project (http://www.waterloproject.blogspot.com/); poinsettia flower from The Nutracker
Suite by Faith True (http://shabbypickledesigns.com/); holly berries and glittered gold swirl from the Holiday Spirit kit by Dani Mogstad (http://sweetshoppedesigns.com/)

credits: Saginaw and Georgia fonts; background paper from Holiday Spirit kit by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com); all other elements from A Diva's Holiday kit by Corina Nielsen (http://funkyplaygrounddesigns.com/)

credits: Alex Brush by ROB font; Holiday Spirit kit by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); photo by Benjamin Earwicker courtesy of Stock Exchange

credits: Georgia and The NautiGal by ROB fonts; paper, string and starburst from Friends by Tracy Ann Designs (http://www.tracyanndigitalart.com/); ribbon and stitching from Merry & Bright by Ellie Lash (http://www.ellielash.com/); tree from Jingle Bell Bling by Sherri Tierney, photo by Jennifer Brown Photography

credits: AlexBrush by ROB font; A Diva’s Holiday kit by Corina Nielsen (http://www.funkyplaygrounddesigns.com/); photo by Richard Sweet courtesy of Stock Exchange

credits: Pharmacy and Blackjack fonts; holly leaves and buttons from Merry & Bright kit by Ellie Lash (http://www.ellielash.com/); all other elements and papers from Jingle Jangle kit by Melissa Bennett (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); photo by Omar Franco courtesy of Stock Exchange

credits: CAC Shishoni Brush font; paper from Holiday Spirit and elements from Very Merry add-on by Dani Mogstad (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/); photo by Aneta Blaszczynk courtesy of Stock Exchange

Message board signatures, avatars, and blinkies

Siggies:

Most message boards allow for signatures in the range of 450-600 pixels wide by 250-400 high. Please specify your final size requirement and if there is file size limit (i.e., 50 kb). If you do not specify, my standard siggy size is 500x300. I can create any kind of siggy you desire, with photos or just a name tag, something simple or something that looks like a scrapbook page. Please be as detailed as possible in what you are looking for. I charge $3.50 for a photo siggy, up to 3 pictures, and $2.00 for a name-only tag. Siggies can be animated or static; animated siggies may cost extra depending on complexity. I prefer straight out of the camera pictures (at least 1000x1000 pixels produce higher quality results but smaller pictures are acceptable to work with for web-based signatures); please do not crop or edit your pictures before sending them to me. Photo editing is included in the price. If you do not have a design preference, I will create your siggy to match your photos. Simple changes to text can be made after your final version has been delivered, but major design changes may cost extra. Depending on my work load, I can usually get your siggy completed with a few days of the request.

Avatars: Most avatars are 100x100 or 100x150. I can use photos, text, and/or elements. It can be animated or static. Animated avatars are $3.00 (up to 2 "blinks"); static avatars are $1.00.

Blinkies: Blinkies range in size from avatar-sized to 100x40, 100x50, or 100x80 (widths can also be 150). Prices are $3.00 and up depending on the complexity of design and number of frames.

Siggy, Avatar, and Blinkie Samples (note: all graphics can be saved with a transparent background instead of white if desired)

To see all of my siggies, blinkies, and avatars, click: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v37/Holly0817/Siggies/?start=all.

Photo Editing

I can usually fix most common photo problems. If you'd like your picture converted to black and white, but want just the color red to remain, I can do that. If you have a perfect shot of your daughter kicking a winning soccer goal, but there is a telephone pole right behind her, I can edit that pole out of the picture. If you would like to use part of your picture for other projects, I can extract a piece of your image for individual use. All projects vary in complexity, therefore prices are quoted on a per-project basis.

Photo Editing Samples

Removing a Date Stamp

Fixing a Blurry Picture

Color to Black and White Conversion

Extraction

Underexposure

To request a project, please email me at holly0817@hotmail.com with your project needs and I'll give you a quote and time estimate. I accept Paypal and require payment prior to starting your project. Thank you and I look forward to working with you!